New swimsuits provide women with more wearable options.

New swimsuitsprovide women with more wearable options.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Good-bye thong; hello boy shorts.
This season's crop of swimsuits for women has swapped vampish for ladylike. And if that's not enough to get you in the mood for the beach, there's such a wide range of cuts, colors and patterns arriving at stores that finding a swimsuit to fit one's personal style should be a cinch.
"This season there are so many new design elements," says Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for T.J. Maxx. "From a resurgence of '80s new halters to retro looks, Hawaiian themes and the influence of multi-culture, there are wearable options for every woman."
The first step is to identify styles that flatter your figure. Different cuts can make a woman look taller, shorter, narrower or wider. And suits are constructed to emphasize or de-emphasize the bust, hips or waist, so be sure get a salesperson or a friend to advise you.
"Every woman is looking for that perfect swimsuit to flatter her figure," said Lorna Nagler, president of Lane Bryant, which is offering its first swimsuit collection for plus-size women. Nagler said they translated the season's trends for women sizes 14-28 to allow bigger women to "show off their natural curves with style and confidence."
Silhouettes for all women are as diverse as last year. Bikinis, monokinis, tankinis, boy shorts and handkerchief, bandeau, halter and tube tops make it simple for women to add variety and versatility to their swim wardrobes.
Unexpected twists
The range of patterns and colors is amazing. Tropical florals, stripes and polka dots are perennial patterns, but they get some unexpected twists this season in enlarged and off-center interpretations.
In solid colors, brown is a strong trend, often accented with turquoise, coral, pink and pale blue. You can also go loud with neon or citrus colors or soft with sherbet or pastel tones.
There's more attention to detail, with keyholes and square or circular rings dressing up the front or back of suits. Elegant Grecian touches, such as draping, shirring, ruching and lacing abound, and more adventurous styles have sashes, bows or belts.
Land some accessories
With the continuing emphasis on accessories, swimwear is no longer just about the suit. For out of the water, there are coordinating mini skirts, pareos, sarongs, lounge pants, hats, totes and sandals for a total look on the beach, at the pool or atop a boat's deck. Plunge into the summer seasonin a figure-flattering swimsuit